MADELYN CUNNINGHAM
Des Moines,IA
Summary
Versatile leader with 15+ years of experience guiding clients, teams, and organizations to lasting success. Skilled in managing key accounts, developing success plans, and ensuring clients gain full value from services and solutions. Proven success in renewals, revenue growth, scalable training programs, and cross-functional collaboration. Trusted as a natural leader, conflict coach, and client advocate. Respected for turning difficult conversations into alignment, keeping projects on track, and driving revenue through calm, consistent leadership.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Blue Compass
Des Moines, IA
07.2023 - Current
- Guide clients through onboarding and full use of SEO/SEM and web projects, creating success plans and tracking KPIs to keep strategies aligned with business goals.
- Act as the primary advisor for clients, anticipating needs and providing proactive updates to ensure smooth delivery, strong retention, and continued partnerships.
- Rebuild trust with at-risk key accounts by leading with empathy and clear communication, turning previously unmanageable relationships into long-term partnerships and renewed revenue.
- Partner with internal teams and outside vendors to align on goals, resolve challenges, and deliver quality results across multiple touchpoints.
- Facilitate monthly account health reviews to identify risks early, encourage proactive problem-solving, and strengthen client satisfaction.
- Tasked with identifying process improvements and efficiencies internally for department and overall company growth.
PROJECT MANAGER
Blue Compass Interactive
Des Moines, IA
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Developed project plans and timelines to ensure alignment with stakeholder requirements.
- Facilitated client meetings to gather feedback and address project concerns promptly.
- Managed project budgets to control expenses and resource allocation efficiently.
- Streamlined communication channels among team members for improved collaboration.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance overall project efficiency and workflow.
- Managed multiple projects with competing deadlines simultaneously.
- Maintained records of all documents related to each project including specifications, change orders, invoices.
- Promoted within 9 months for strong performance and leadership, moving from project execution to full client strategy and relationship management.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Salon Only Sales
River Falls, WI
03.2021 - 09.2022
- Grew a $1M multi-state territory of 150+ key accounts by 42% through re-engagement strategies that helped clients fully leverage solutions and rebuild trust.
- Developed customer success plans that supported client retention, long-term renewals, and new opportunities for growth.
- Facilitated client education and training events that made solutions part of daily operations, strengthening outcomes and loyalty.
- Consistently ranked as a top performer, earning 2nd place globally for new account acquisition and #1 nationally across multiple promotions.
- Selected to represent the company internationally for outstanding client engagement and advocacy.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
Aveda Institute Des Moines and Serenity Couture Salons
Des Moines, IA
07.2018 - 03.2020
- Focused on long-term client relationships and service quality while overseeing staffing, budgeting, and marketing.
- Directed the operations and growth strategy for a $14M multi-site business, ensuring sustainable performance and client satisfaction across six salons and a trade school.
- Coached managers through tough performance conversations with empathy and accountability, improving both employee and client retention.
- Designed and implemented success reviews, onboarding programs, and leadership training that boosted service revenue and overall satisfaction.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Aveda Institute Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
01.2014 - 07.2018
- Led a 20+ member team in delivering consistent instruction and service, strengthening both student development and client experience.
- Created frameworks and training programs that ensured students and educators could fully apply learning in service settings, improving results and satisfaction.
- Partnered with operations to align education strategies with customer satisfaction and retention goals, driving measurable improvements in performance.
EDUCATION TEAM LEAD
Aveda Institute Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
07.2008 - 01.2014
- Managed the daily experience for 80+ students and 12 educators, ensuring smooth clinic operations and high levels of customer service.
- Coached students on retail and service sales, showing them how to apply training effectively and generating over $500K in annual revenue while increasing average ticket size by $42.
- Acted as an escalation point for client concerns, resolving issues quickly with empathy and professionalism to protect trust and retention.
Education
Cosmetology License - Des Moines, IA
Aveda Institute Des Moines
Des Moines, IA01.2011
Esthiology License - Minneapolis, MN
Aveda Institute Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN07.2007
Skills
- Customer Success Planning
- Key Account Management
- Client Retention & Renewals
- Onboarding & Implementation
- Relationship Building
- Difficult Conversations & Alignment
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coaching & Team Leadership
- Account Health Reviews
Certification
- Davines Sales Academy (2022)
- Certified Virtual Educator – Aveda (2021)
- 4MAT Adult Learning & Teaching Methodology (2012–2019)
- Discover the Leader Within (2018)
- Benchmarking for Success (2016)
- Certified Educator – Inspired Coaching (2015, 2019)
- Certified Educator – Principles of Education (2015)
- StrengthsFinder for Teams (2015)
- Fierce Conversations (2011, 2014)
- Franklin Covey Presentation Advantage (2013, 2017)
- The 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity (2014)
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (2017)
References
- Beth Brent, Regional Business Manager, Davines North America, beth@nextvelocity.com, 262-442-1219
- Janell Geason, Executive Director of Technical Education, Estee Lauder, jgeason@aveda.com, 952-270-3674
- Katelyn Sexton, Salon Development Partner, Estee Lauder Companies, sexton.katelyn.r@gmail.com, 515-988-4025
Timeline
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Blue Compass
07.2023 - Current
PROJECT MANAGER
Blue Compass Interactive
09.2022 - 07.2023
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Salon Only Sales
03.2021 - 09.2022
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
Aveda Institute Des Moines and Serenity Couture Salons
07.2018 - 03.2020
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Aveda Institute Des Moines
01.2014 - 07.2018
EDUCATION TEAM LEAD
Aveda Institute Des Moines
07.2008 - 01.2014
Cosmetology License - Des Moines, IA
Aveda Institute Des Moines
Esthiology License - Minneapolis, MN
Aveda Institute Minneapolis
Similar Profiles
Nathaniel RaburnNathaniel Raburn
RV Technician at Blue CompassRV Technician at Blue Compass
Matthew CooperMatthew Cooper
Service Porter at Blue CompassService Porter at Blue Compass
Wendel O'Scha IIWendel O'Scha II
Detailer at Blue CompassDetailer at Blue Compass
LaTroysha BrooksLaTroysha Brooks
Tire and Battery Center Manager at Sam's ClubTire and Battery Center Manager at Sam's Club
Jeffery GeerJeffery Geer
Order Picker at CumminsOrder Picker at Cummins